Halloween is almost here and some of the things that go bump in the night will be out and about trying to scare up some treats. No need to be afraid, just please be careful.

When you are driving, be aware of children and adults wearing costumes that could be dark and hard to see in the early evening. Not only that, the trick-or-treaters may not be able to see all that well if they are wearing masks.

Take your time when driving through neighborhoods where parking is tight. Children aren’t always aware of their surroundings and may dart into the street from between parked cars.

If you are driving children to houses outside the neighborhood, be extra vigilant. When you stop, be sure to leave your lights on so the children can see you. This also signals other drivers that you are not parked. Remember to tell your little trick-or-treater that they must look both ways when crossing the street. Impress upon them that they must be extra careful on Halloween.

Some parents take their children to parties at local shopping areas. If you do, be extra vigilant in the parking lots. Some drivers will not be looking for children darting out. Everyone hold hands and walk in single file. It is simple and the children are used to this from school.

Some towns have set times for the goblins to be out. Check your neighborhood. Some begin as early as 4 p.m. and end at 7 p.m., while others extend the night to 8 p.m.

However you celebrate Halloween, be safe and watch out for trick-or-treaters!

Baltimore County Police are seeking the identities of five suspects responsible for a burglary at Tyler Firearms, 4367 Hollins Ferry Road in Halethorpe, on Saturday, October 14.

The suspects were caught on exterior surveillance video approaching the front of the business around 4:30 a.m. Two of the suspects gained entry into the business by throwing a rock through a window and climbing into a classroom of the building. They are then caught on an interior surveillance camera accessing the showroom where they find no weapons on display, and trigger an audible alarm. The two then fled the location through the broken window and all five suspects ran toward Ryerson Circle.

All but one of the suspects attempted to hide their identities with hooded sweatshirts and gloves.

Anyone who recognizes any of these suspects, or has any information on this crime, is asked to contact Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.

Reward Offered

Metro Crime Stoppers, an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Metro Crime Stoppers by phone, text message or online.

Baltimore County Police will be keeping an eye on sex offenders that are not allowed to have contact with children this Halloween.

Out of the hundreds of registered sex offenders in Baltimore County, only about 10 percent have what is called a “no contact order” as part of their probation. This, in effect, prohibits them from handing out candy to children on Halloween. Registered sex offenders that are not under such an order are not prohibited from giving candy out to children.

Officers will be watching the residences of persons with a “no contact order” and officers in marked police cars will saturate neighborhoods with known sex offenders. Officers will be coordinating their efforts with Parole and Probation agents.

Anyone who suspects that someone who has a no contact order is giving candy to children is asked to call detectives at 410-853-3660. Any other suspicious activity can be reported to 911 or Baltimore County's non-emergency line at 410-887-2222.